CARL Flannery has a very remarkable ride he gets around in on Anzac Day, in fact, he has six of them.
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What started as a humble personal hobby has developed into an annual show of respect from Mr Flannery and the region’s Jeep enthusiasts.
Mr Flannery has been kept busy on Anzac Day for the last 27 years, driving Tamworth veterans in the local marches in his various vehicles.
“I certainly don’t do it for me,” he told The Leader.
“I do it for the gentleman I carry, it’s their day, it’s not our day.”
It all started from a simple personal interest for Mr Flannery, buying his first Jeep in 1980 and now it’s something he can use to pay homage each year.
“It’s just we can say something thank you to them with,” he said.
“It’s just the satisfaction of seeing the smile on those people’s faces, those returned service men’s faces.”
There will be a bit to do for Mr Flannery in the morning on Anzac Day, taking part in the dawn service in Tamworth, a service in Somerton and back to town for the march.
Mr Flannery said he certainly won’t be alone in Tamworth’s Jeep fleet, estimating there was more than 20 drivers in the region.
It’s a similar story for fellow-driver Graham Meyer whose fascination with the vehicle blossomed into a means of showing respect.
“No one can ever say they know everything about a Jeep, because there is so many different things to know,” Mr Meyer said.
“People have written books on it and they have still omitted things.”
Mr Meyer said he served “about five years in the the old Citizen’s Military Forces” and has been driving Jeeps in Tamworth marches since 1985.
For Mr Meyer, driving veterans in the march is about giving thanks.
“We’ll never, ever be able to repay these fellas for their sacrifice,” Mr Meyer said.
“What we’re doing is helping those that are here now.
“But we’ll never, ever be able to repay those who didn’t come home.”